If you’re on the hunt for a fun, spooky, yet utterly delicious treat to wow your friends and family, I’ve got just the thing for you! The Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it’s creamy, dreamy, and perfect for any season—especially when Halloween vibes are in full swing. Trust me, once you try this ghostly twist on a classic vanilla milkshake, you’ll be hooked. So grab your blender, and let me walk you through making this super fun and easy milkshake that tastes like a sweet vanilla dream with a little ghostly charm.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra Creamy Texture: Thanks to the perfect blend of vanilla bean ice cream and whole milk, this milkshake is silky smooth and indulgent.
Easy to Make: Just a few ingredients and minutes in the blender, and you have a show-stopping drink.
Festive Flair: The whipped cream “ghost” topping adds a ton of charm without extra fuss.
Perfect for Sharing: Makes four servings, so everyone can enjoy the ghostly goodness together.

The image shows three white jars filled with a creamy white milkshake. Each jar has a rim coated with dark sugar crystals, standing out against the smooth white milkshake inside. On top, there is a large swirl of whipped cream, soft and fluffy in texture. The front jar has a white straw with black polka dots placed at an angle, sticking out of the whipped cream. Each jar has two black oval shapes near the top and a larger black oval below, making a ghost face. The jars sit on a white marbled surface with a soft lace cloth nearby, and the background is dark, making the white jars bright and clean. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for the Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe are simple but carefully chosen to work beautifully together—vanilla bean ice cream for that pure vanilla punch, whole milk to keep it luscious, and fresh vanilla extract to deepen the flavor. The whipped cream topping is sweet, creamy, and holds its shape perfectly for that ghostly swirl.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Using vanilla bean ice cream (not just vanilla flavored) gives a richer, more authentic vanilla vibe.
Whole Milk: Adds just the right creaminess without making the shake too thick or too thin.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the vanilla flavor—be sure to use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
Heavy Whipping Cream: For that fluffy, stiff peak whipped cream that looks like a ghost’s “head.”
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without the graininess you get from granulated sugar.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with the Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe to make it my own or adapt it for different occasions—whether it’s dialing back the sweetness or turning it into a dairy-free treat. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect twist!

Add a Hint of Pumpkin Spice: Around fall, I stir in a pinch of pumpkin spice to turn this into a seasonal treat that my family adores.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut or almond milk and dairy-free vanilla ice cream to make a vegan-friendly shake.
Chocolate Boo-nilla Ghost: Swirl in some chocolate syrup into the milkshake and add mini chocolate chips on top for a fun twist.
Kid-Friendly Ghost Shapes: Instead of piping a traditional swirl, I sometimes create cute ghost shapes with the whipped cream for a party vibe.

How to Make Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Perfect Boo-nilla Base

Start by adding your vanilla bean ice cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract into a blender. Don’t overdo the milk at first—you want a thick but pourable milkshake. Blend on medium speed until smooth, about 30 seconds. I’ve learned that if you add too much milk at the start, your shake gets watery, so adding a little less and then adjusting works best. The texture should be creamy and rich, almost like a drinkable custard.

Step 2: Whip Up the Ghostly Topping

While your milkshake base is blending, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This part is crucial—the whipped cream needs to hold its shape so it looks like a ghost on top of your shake. I prefer using a stand mixer because it’s hands-free, but a hand mixer works just as well. When you see those firm peaks that hold their shape without drooping, you’re good to go!

Step 3: Assemble and Serve Your Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe

Pour the milkshake evenly into four glasses. Grab a large ziplock bag, cut off one corner, and pipe the whipped cream on top in a swirling motion to create the ghost shape. It’s like a little bit of Halloween magic in a glass! Serve immediately and watch your friends’ eyes light up. If you wait too long, that whipped cream starts to melt, so prompt enjoyment is key.

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Pro Tips for Making Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe

Use Quality Vanilla Ice Cream: I discovered that premium vanilla bean ice cream makes all the difference—it gives a natural vanilla intensity that imitation flavors can’t match.
Chill Your Glasses: Keep your glasses in the freezer for a bit before serving to keep your milkshake colder longer.
Don’t Overblend: Blending too long can make the shake too runny; pulsing until just smooth works best.
Whip Cream Just Right: Stiff peaks are perfect—not too soft or too stiff—so the ghost shape holds but still looks soft and fluffy.

How to Serve Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe

The image shows three clear glass jars filled with a thick, creamy white drink that looks like a milkshake. Each jar has black almond-shaped eyes and an open mouth made from a dark material, giving them ghost faces. The jars are topped with a swirl of white whipped cream, and the rims are coated with black sugar crystals. Each jar has a white straw with black polka dots standing inside. The jars are placed on a soft white cloth and a round metal stand, all set on a white marbled surface with a dark background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I typically keep the garnish simple with just the whipped cream ghost top because it steals the show. But on fun occasions, I like to dot the whipped cream “face” with mini chocolate chips for eyes or add a sprinkle of edible glitter to make it sparkle. Sometimes a drizzle of caramel or white chocolate sauce creates extra decadence.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes with classic treats like freshly baked chocolate chip cookies or warm brownies. The cookies add a bit of chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy milkshake. Also, a simple bowl of fresh berries works nicely if you want something lighter on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween parties, I’ve served these shakes in clear plastic cups decorated with ghost faces made from stickers or markers. You could also rim the glasses with colored sugar crystals or crushed candy to add a pop of color. For kids, I once placed a cute mini ghost cookie on the rim of each glass to amp up the spooky fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (rare in my house!), cover the milkshake with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. Stir well before serving again, though it won’t be quite as thick and creamy as freshly made.

Freezing

I don’t typically freeze leftovers from the Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe because fresh texture is the key to its appeal, but you can freeze the base milkshake mixture without whipped cream for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge and stir well before serving.

Reheating

This milkshake is meant to be served cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you want a warm vanilla treat, consider making a vanilla custard or warm vanilla latte instead!

FAQs

Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk in the Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat or skim milk, but keep in mind that whole milk adds richness and helps achieve that creamy texture. Using lower-fat milk might make the shake slightly thinner and less indulgent.
How do I make the whipped cream ghost topping without a piping bag?

No piping bag? No problem! You can use a ziplock bag with a small corner cut off to pipe the whipped cream. Alternatively, just dollop the whipped cream on top with a spoon and use the back of the spoon to swirl it into a ghost shape.
Can I prepare the whipped cream in advance?

Absolutely! You can whip the cream a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Just give it a quick whisk before piping or spooning onto the milkshake to refresh the texture.
What’s the best way to get pure vanilla flavor in this milkshake?

Using vanilla bean ice cream with real vanilla beans, plus adding pure vanilla extract, is the best combo for a deep and authentic vanilla flavor. Avoid artificial or imitation vanilla extract if possible.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, just swap the ice cream for a dairy-free vanilla alternative and use coconut or almond milk. For the whipped topping, you might try coconut cream whipped or store-bought dairy-free whipped topping.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how the Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe brings a little magic and joy to any gathering—whether it’s a Halloween bash or a simple weekend treat. It’s creamy, sweet, and playful in a way that everyone appreciates. When I first made this, my family went crazy for the ghostly whipped cream, and it quickly became our favorite way to enjoy vanilla milkshakes. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s fun to make and even more fun to share!

Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 638 reviews

Author: Jasmine
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Blending
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

The Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe is a creamy, vanilla-flavored treat perfect for a festive occasion or a delicious dessert. Made with rich vanilla bean ice cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract, these milkshakes are topped with a fluffy homemade whipped cream sweetened lightly with powdered sugar and vanilla. Easy to blend and quick to prepare, this recipe yields smooth, indulgent milkshakes that delight both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Milkshake

4 cups vanilla bean ice cream
1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups whole milk
2 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare the Milkshake: In a blender, combine the vanilla bean ice cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
Make the Whipped Cream: In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, the cream holds firm peaks and does not collapse.
Assemble and Serve: Divide the milkshake evenly between four glasses. Transfer the whipped cream into a large ziplock bag, cut a small corner off to create a piping tip, and pipe a swirl of whipped cream atop each milkshake. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Adjust milk quantity to achieve desired milkshake thickness.
For a vegan option, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives.
Use chilled glasses to keep milkshakes cold longer.
Use high-quality vanilla bean ice cream and pure vanilla extract for best flavor.